Reactive Oxygen Species: Modulators of Phenotypic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Badran, Adnan; Nasser, Suzanne A.; Mesmar, Joelle; El-Yazbi, Ahmed F.; Bitto, Alessandra; Fardoun, Manal M.; Baydoun, Elias; Eid, Ali H.

Abstract

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are natural byproducts of oxygen metabolism in the cell. At physiological levels, they play a vital role in cell signaling. However, high ROS levels cause oxidative stress, which is implicated in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis after angioplasty. Despite the great amount of research conducted to identify the role of ROS in CVD, the image is still far from being complete. A common event in CVD pathophysiology is the switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. Interestingly, oxidative stress is a major contributor to this phenotypic switch. In this review, we focus on the effect of ROS on the hallmarks of VSMC phenotypic switch, particularly proliferation and migration. In addition, we speculate on the underlying molecular mechanisms of these cellular events. Along these lines, the impact of ROS on the expression of contractile markers of VSMCs is discussed in depth. We conclude by commenting on the efficiency of antioxidants as CVD therapies.

Citation

Badran, A., Nasser, S. A., Mesmar, J., El-Yazbi, A. F., Bitto, A., Fardoun, M. M., …Eid, A. H. (2020). Reactive Oxygen Species: Modulators of Phenotypic Switch of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), 8764. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228764

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 7, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Nov 20, 2020
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Deposit Date: Jun 19, 2023
• Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• Print ISSN: 1661-6596
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 22
• Pages: 8764
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228764
• Keywords: Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical and Theoretical Chemistry; Computer Science Applications; Spectroscopy; Molecular Biology; General Medicine; Catalysis; cardiovascular disease; phenotypic switch; reactive oxygen species; vascular smooth mu